Learning Strategies in Second Language Acquisition (Cambridge Applied Linguistics) [Paperback]

J. Michael O'Malley (Author), Anna Uhl Chamot (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 052135837X | ISBN-13: 978-0521358378 | Publication Date: February 23, 1990

O'Malley and Chamot review the literature on learning strategies, describe and classify learning strategies in second language learning, and discuss why learning is affected in a positive manner when such strategies are used. The authors present instructional models for learning-strategy training that teachers can apply to their own classes. The material is based on current research in second language acquisition and cognitive theory.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'... a powerful framework for considering developmental issues in second language acquisition ... allows for an understanding of relationships that would have otherwise not been apparent among constructs often cited in the second language literature, such as language transfer, interlanguage, communicative competence, and learning versus acquisition distinctions.' NCAL Connections

'There is no doubt in my mind that this book makes an important contribution, both as a source of research hypotheses and as a guide for pedagogy.' Barry McLaughlin, University of California, Santa Cruz

'The book is readable and accessible. It's a 'must' for any teacher or researcher who wants the most current information in this field ... an indispensable reference.' H. Douglas Brown, San Francisco State University

Book Description

A review of the literature on learning strategies, describing and classifying learning strategies in second language learning.

Product Details

• Paperback: 276 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (February 23, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052135837X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521358378
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,196,952 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars useful to know about but difficult to teach from, August 31, 2000

By 

Chris Elvin (Kanagawa, Japan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Learning Strategies in Second Language Acquisition (Cambridge Applied Linguistics) (Paperback)

Learning Strategies in Second Language Acquisition looks at language as a complex cognitive skill which can be defined within the context of cognitive theory. There is a lot of research in cognitive theory as it relates to learning in general, but as O'Malley and Chamot point out, very little has been done specifically with SLA in mind. Consequently, although Learning Strategies in Second Language Acquisition is comprehensive in its overview of the techniques that learners adopt while studying a foreign language, the paucity of research as to the efficacy of using such strategies, and whether or not they can be taught, is still inconclusive. Clearly more research is needed before one can suggest pedagogical implications. What I liked about this book is that it develops a taxonomy of language learning strategies that any teacher will find very useful to be aware of. What I was not so sure of, however, was in being able to pass on this new knowledge to my students by referring to this text alone. If you are looking for ways in which to teach strategies either directly, or by embedding them in the materials that you use or create, then I much prefer Rebecca Oxford's Language Learning Strategies.